[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele":3,"chapter-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-124":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Invincible Female Ghost Is A Bit Of A Hopeless Romantic",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1706503,2180,"Chapter 124: \"I...let...you...\" \"Don't move!!!\"","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-124",124,"\u003Cp>This matter had to be clarified immediately upon returning home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Lu Yuan's [Vanquish Demons and Exorcise Evil] system did not label Qingwan as a Malevolent Deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That didn't mean she was absolutely safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was there a possibility that perhaps Qingwan was originally meant to be nurtured as a Malevolent Deity by the Liu Family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering the previous circumstances, Lu Yuan felt it was highly possible!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was that evil curse, those Yansheng Coins, this and that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for why it ultimately didn't succeed...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was probably because some accident occurred, leading to the interruption of the nurturing plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Tan Jiji had just stated clearly that the Malevolent Seed and the Malevolent Deity were practically one entity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, even if Qingwan wasn't a Malevolent Deity now, that only meant Qingwan hadn't been nurtured by the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family and ultimately didn't become a Malevolent Deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This couldn't determine whether inside her head...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was that damned Malevolent Seed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mere thought of this possibility, Lu Yuan's heart suddenly constricted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was one inside Qingwan's head, then Lu Yuan had to remove it for Qingwan immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good heavens!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's Gu Qingwan we're talking about!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family could control Qingwan to do things, like killing this one, killing that one...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be absolutely disastrous!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for how to remove it...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ask the Patriarch, of course!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Patriarch could help the \"Deity of Beauty,\" naturally he could help Qingwan too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, first they had to confirm whether there really was one inside Qingwan's head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji was halted by Lu Yuan's sudden shout, stopping in his tracks and turning back in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the bonfire's glow, the expression on Lu Yuan's face shifted unpredictably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First shock, then a kind of urgent realization, finally transforming into an almost scorching stare, firmly locked onto Tan Jiji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This look made Tan Jiji's heart flutter with unease, and he subconsciously took half a step back:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lu, Daoist Lu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, a figure had already rushed before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan grabbed Tan Jiji's wrist, his five fingers like iron clamps!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Brother!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force was so great that Tan Jiji's brows instantly knitted together in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All that nonsense about the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family, you hiding and concealing it, I won't hold it against you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what exactly is the Malevolent Seed, you can at least tell me that, right?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bonfire crackled and popped, sparks flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It illuminated the almost scorching urgency on Lu Yuan's face with particular clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force with which he gripped Tan Jiji's wrist didn't relax in the slightest, his gaze fixed tightly on the other, allowing no evasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji was stunned by Lu Yuan's sudden, pressing questioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force transmitted from his wrist and the grave seriousness in Lu Yuan's eyes made Tan Jiji realize this was no casual inquiry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he didn't speak today...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji pursed his lips, a struggle flashing across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But looking at Lu Yuan's eyes, he finally slowly let out a breath, exerting slight force with his wrist to signal Lu Yuan to let go first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan loosened his grip slightly, but his gaze remained locked on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji rubbed his wrist, walked to the bonfire, picked up a branch, poked the fire, stirring up a few sparks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not something that can't be said, didn't I already mention it earlier?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family's method of controlling Malevolent Deities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Extract the essence of three yin types, earth yin, water yin, human yin, and fuse them together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After fusion, a furnace is set up in a 'Yin Gathering Place,' and finally refined into the Malevolent Seed...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not going to ask me how to refine this Malevolent Seed, are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would I know that? This kind of Malevolent Method is the most secretive technique of the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family, absolutely impossible for outsiders to know!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening, Lu Yuan immediately said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I'm not asking about that. I want to ask, how is that Malevolent Seed implanted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And also, how can one tell whether a vengeful entity might be a Malevolent Deity?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji: \"????\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of messy questions were these?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this, Tan Jiji thought for a moment and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How it's implanted...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did hear my father mention a bit about this. They use Malevolent Methods to ignite the refined Malevolent Seed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait until the Malevolent Seed burns, producing a strange red smoke, then coordinate with the ritual, forcibly 'nailing' the red smoke into the target's brow soul aperture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These red smokes will re-coalesce within the soul aperture, reverting to the form of the Malevolent Seed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's similar to how they cast gu curses down south inside the Pass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Tan Jiji immediately added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like that one the 'Deity of Beauty' spat out earlier, that's it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Tan Jiji couldn't help but recall the earlier scene:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Patriarch really has extraordinary methods.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually pulled it out by the roots for her, crushed it, that's why she could break free from control and gain her freedom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan didn't respond to that, instead immediately asking:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... if the Malevolent Seed is implanted into the target's soul aperture, but ultimately... the nurturing into a Malevolent Deity isn't successful?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For example, some accident occurred midway, the Liu Family gave up, or the target was sealed, suppressed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji shrugged and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then it's not a Malevolent Deity anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan hurriedly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know it's not a Malevolent Deity, I mean, in such a situation, would it still be controlled by the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Lu Yuan finished speaking, Tan Jiji stated decisively:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One hundred percent yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once the Malevolent Seed is nailed into the soul aperture, it's like a malignant tumor growing in the soul, impossible to get rid of forever!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if it doesn't become a Malevolent Deity, if the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family wants to control it, it would only be easier!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Yuan stopped dwelling on this issue. Anyway, even if Qingwan really had a Malevolent Seed in her head, they'd just have the Patriarch help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, Lu Yuan asked again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how can one confirm whether a target has been implanted with a Malevolent Seed by the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's questions were really a bit too strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji blinked blankly, then looked at Lu Yuan with an expression of seeing a fool:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chop open the target's original body's head, dig it out and see if there's a Malevolent Seed, isn't that it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's the only method?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was somewhat dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From other aspects, like appearance, aura, are there any characteristics that can indicate it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji shook his head straightforwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That thing is extremely concealed. As long as the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family doesn't chant incantations to activate it, no one can tell, no one knows.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan, unwilling to give up, blinked, lowering his voice even further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... what about the vengeful entity itself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it itself know whether a Malevolent Seed has been implanted in its head?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked Lu Yuan up and down with an extremely peculiar gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he leaned closer, lowered his voice, and asked with a serious expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bro, tell me the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you... secretly raising a Malevolent Deity at home?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan: \"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds later, Lu Yuan widened his eyes and immediately said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can you slander my innocence out of thin air!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is that possible!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm a proper Taoist priest from an orthodox temple, how could I do such a thing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't talk nonsense!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji stared deeply at Lu Yuan for a while before saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'd better be...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Tan Jiji added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About the question you asked, I don't know. Wait until next time you encounter the 'Deity of Beauty' and ask her yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, judging from her earlier reaction, the 'Deity of Beauty' probably didn't know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She only knew there was such a thing inside her head after the Malevolent Seed was dug out by your Patriarch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Tan Jiji's words, Lu Yuan couldn't help but purse his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then this matter absolutely required a trip back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But, the old man's Celestial Master Grand Ceremony couldn't be delayed either...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, thousands of thoughts flashed through Lu Yuan's mind, ultimately converging into a resolute decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He abruptly turned around, his gaze sharp as a torch, sweeping over everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, the situation is urgent. I have a proposal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We, split up and act separately!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said that, disregarding the shocked looks of the people around him, light flashed in Lu Yuan's hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clatter—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large pile of dazzlingly radiant objects appeared out of thin air, piled beside the bonfire, their treasure glow almost overpowering the firelight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade talismans, ritual swords, coins, bells... each item brimming with spiritual energy, definitely not ordinary goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone: \"????\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, his mouth agape enough to fit a fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan was also stunned, her beautiful eyes filled with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This... where did this come from?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lu Yuan looked toward the large chest of treasures Shen Shulan had brought from home and said seriously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Sister Shulan, shall we also divide up that chest of treasures of yours?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After snapping out of her shock, Shen Shulan nodded immediately without any hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These things, once Shen Shulan took them out, she hadn't planned to take them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, when the sky began to lighten at dawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ritual tools and treasures had also been distributed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan, these two Celestial Masters, would act alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji was a professional against the Commanding Ghosts Liu Family, but not against Nurturing Malevolence Sites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Tan Jiji's own strength wasn't as strong as Lu Yuan's and Shen Shulan's, so Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an were assigned to assist him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, three teams were formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan were each responsible for two sites, while Tan Jiji, Xu Erxiao, and Wang Cheng'an, the three of them, were responsible for one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After everyone cleared the sites they were responsible for, they would meet at the last Nurturing Malevolence Site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together, they would deal with the last Nurturing Malevolence Site!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five days of bloody battle felt like a lifetime ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>North outskirts of Fengtian City, beside the official road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dilapidated roadside tea stall stood in the thin morning mist, like the skeletal remains of a silent beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dawn had not yet broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold dew clung to the tips of withered grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five figures slumped against broken walls and rubble, like five statues eroded by wind and frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air was filled only with the sound of heavy, ragged breathing rising and falling like broken bellows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the smell of blood, medicinal herbs, the earthy scent of soil, and the sour stench of sweat, all mixed together, nauseating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan leaned against a charred black pillar, eyes closed, the dark circles under his eyes deep like bruises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Taoist robe was long unrecognizable from its original color, caked with mud, bloodstains, and the bodily fluids of unknown monsters, forming a hard crust that crumbled with every movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Injuries, he hadn't suffered many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that kind of exhaustion, as if his soul and body had been wrung dry, made even lifting a finger feel like a tremendous effort now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others were even more disheveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan's hair bun was disheveled, her stunning face smeared with blood spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji's arm was wrapped in blood-stained cloth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cheng'an and Xu Erxiao looked like they had been fished out of mud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Sister Shulan, Old Brother Tan Jiji.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We part ways here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The three of us must return to Zhenlong Temple immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan was the first to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, this matter was finally perfectly resolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And fortunately, everyone was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Tan Jiji suffered a minor injury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, this was more normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they couldn't possibly encounter a Malevolent Deity inside every time, could they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be too unlucky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, everyone had the treasures Lu Yuan gave them, plus what Shen Shulan brought from home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary Nurturing Malevolence Sites really weren't that big of a deal, it was just that the timeframe was too tight, truly exhausting people beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Lu Yuan looked at Shen Shulan, whose face showed no less exhaustion than his own, and said with utmost seriousness:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Shulan, this favor, I, Lu Yuan, will remember it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the future, whatever you need me to do, just say the word. If I can help, I'll help immediately. If I can't help, I'll find a way to help!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Lu Yuan's words, Shen Shulan repeatedly waved her hands and said softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle-Master, please don't speak of favors. It's only right for me to help Uncle-Master. I'm the one repaying Uncle-Master's favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding Shen Shulan's words, Lu Yuan didn't say much more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But anyway, Shen Shulan's favor toward him, Lu Yuan kept it in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, great favors need no thanks; just see how Lu Yuan acts in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Lu Yuan turned to Tan Jiji and slightly cupped his hands:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Brother, I helped you with the Mangniu Village matter, you helped me with the Nurturing Malevolence Site matter. Let's consider it even today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Lu Yuan pulled out a wad of banknotes from his pocket and handed it to Tan Jiji:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take this money, go into the city, find a good place, take a hot bath, have a big drink, sleep for three days and three nights.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When there's a chance in the future, I'll treat you to something even better!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Jiji wasn't polite either, even though he only took down one Nurturing Malevolence Site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the thing was, clearing Nurturing Malevolence Sites wasn't his profession; he wasn't a Taoist priest, not a specialist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, his strength really couldn't compare to Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan, these two orthodox Celestial Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, even though he only took down one, it truly exhausted Tan Jiji thoroughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had other matters to attend to; he really needed a good rest and to buy some supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All these required money, so...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking the money, Tan Jiji directly cupped his hands and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My money fell into that black water inside the Nurturing Malevolence Site. Consider this money a loan from you, I'll pay you back later!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan grinned, saying no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a horse-drawn carriage came through the morning mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan slightly cupped his hands toward Shen Shulan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I'll trouble Senior Sister Shulan to help me take the horses back and feed them for a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We'll take this carriage and prepare to return to Zhenlong Temple now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fengtian City, the three of them wouldn't enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan also didn't plan to seek out Celestial Master He Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, this matter required going back to find Qingwan, so they might as well ask the old man together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the two aunties at home...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, they wouldn't bring them back either. After all, this trip back had urgent matters; meeting the parents and such could wait a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five horses everyone rode were truly unable to run anymore after these five days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they could run, the three of them couldn't ride anymore; they really hadn't slept much in these five days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they had to ride horses back for another day and night, they'd probably fall asleep on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, around nine o'clock at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ink-black night dyed the outline of Qixia Mountain deep and obscure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mountain's foot, the stone steps leading to Zhenlong Temple wound under dim starlight, disappearing into endless darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Days of exhaustion and the eagerness to return home made this last stretch of mountain path feel particularly long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan walked in front, followed by Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three carried the scent of blood and malevolent energy that couldn't be washed away, exhaustion seeping deep into their bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the outline of Zhenlong Temple was just ahead; that longing made their footsteps unconsciously quicken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temple's lights seemed capable of washing away the weariness of their journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After we get back, first offer incense to the Patriarchs, then you two take a month off, rest well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's voice carried a hint of hoarseness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of the Nurturing Malevolence Sites was finally settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan didn't plan to take on any jobs for a while recently. Since that was the case, he'd let these two rest properly at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an's faces instantly lit up with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan glanced at them and added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you can't neglect your cultivation. I'll check on you both after a month; if there's regression, that won't do!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an excitedly nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the three turned a familiar mountain bend and could already see the vague outline of Zhenlong Temple's eaves not far ahead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden change occurred!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the middle of the mountain path ahead, the shadow of a gnarled old tree suddenly \"came to life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, not the shadow coming to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was something slowly \"separating\" from the \"substance\" of the shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like ink blooming into human form on rice paper, or moonlight coalescing into solid form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First appearing was a flowing lock of hair, shimmering with a cold, glazed luster, followed by a side profile so perfect it was flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starry eyes suddenly lit up in the darkness, carrying three parts laziness, seven parts mischief, looking directly at Lu Yuan walking at the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bare feet lightly touched the ground, no lotus shadows beneath them, but a hazy, moonlight-like glow naturally flowed around her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It dispelled the darkness for several feet around, also illuminating her plain yet still peerlessly graceful porcelain-patterned dress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely the \"Deity of Beauty\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had actually appeared silently on the only path back to Zhenlong Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's footsteps slammed to a halt, his pupils suddenly contracting, every muscle in his body instantly tensing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Erxiao and Wang Cheng'an gasped, almost crying out in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's face—what...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was this woman waiting for him here?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Deity of Beauty\" seemed to greatly enjoy Lu Yuan's look of being on high alert. Her red lips parted slightly, emitting a light, cat-like laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aiya yaya~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her ethereal voice echoed through the dead-silent mountain forest, the tail end drawn out, carrying a hook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whose little Taoist priest is this, why so flustered?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she took cat-like steps, walking unhurriedly over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bare feet stepping on the cold mountain stones, actually making no sound at all, as if she were a weightless illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's Adam's apple bobbed, forcing himself to calm down, his voice dry:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had said before she needed to handle \"matters that must be dealt with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the matters she needed to deal with be at Zhenlong Temple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Deity of Beauty\" had already walked before Lu Yuan, less than three feet apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head slightly, those eyes that seemed to contain an entire starry sky blinked, long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally, I missed you, little thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before her words faded, she lowered her posture, that face that stole all the world's radiance suddenly brought close to Lu Yuan's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her nose almost touched Lu Yuan's nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wave of icy yet rich cold plum fragrance instantly engulfed Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan watched helplessly as she leaned in again to sniff, just like last time, and possibly even... would...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instinctively wanted to retreat, but found his body as if frozen by invisible ice, unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An aura locked him firmly in place!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't move~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Deity of Beauty's\" face was full of the playful cunning of a hunter seeing prey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just as she was about to touch Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The space behind her showed a barely perceptible distortion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rift was forcibly torn open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...You...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Don't move!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That voice wasn't human speech; it was more like the sound of some rule being forcibly twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broken and intermittent, yet carrying a terrifying authority that brooked no doubt, instantly piercing the dead silence of the mountain forest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Deity of Beauty's\" starry pupils suddenly contracted to pinpoints!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lazy playfulness on her face instantly froze, replaced by an almost instinctive horror at a higher-level threat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She subconsciously wanted to turn her head, to see clearly the existence tearing space behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too late!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That snow-white jade hand reaching out from the void rift was faster than time itself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five slender fingers, fingertips shimmering with a heart-piercing, soul-penetrating cold gleam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the slightest hesitation, without any of the \"Deity of Beauty's\" playful elegance, only the most primitive, most direct violence and control!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A terrifying, teeth-grating crack, somewhere between porcelain shattering and bone breaking, suddenly exploded!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That hand, with pinpoint accuracy, clamped tightly around the \"Deity of Beauty's\" perfectly slender neck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immense force transmitted; the moonlight glow flowing around the \"Deity of Beauty's\" body swayed violently like candle flames in a gale, nearly extinguishing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her bare feet instantly left the ground, her entire body lifted by an irresistible, tremendous force!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the torn space fully reveal itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an extremely unstable rift, edges flickering with blood-red and dark-purple electric sparks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a wound forcibly torn open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick, substantial red blood mist surged out from within, yet without the scent of blood, instead carrying an extreme chill and deathly stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly dyeing the surrounding several yards with an ominous dark red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the most concentrated area of blood mist, a figure slowly \"flowed\" out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Qingwan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore the moon-white dress Lu Yuan had given her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, that dress seemed to flow with countless fine, dark-red patterns too tiny to see clearly, wriggling slightly as if alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her stunningly beautiful face showed no expression whatsoever, neither anger nor ferocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those beautiful eyes revealed a kind of icy, utterly indifferent gaze, as if looking down at ants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that, she single-handedly held the \"Deity of Beauty,\" who struggled continuously, her glazed radiance flickering, her face showing pain and disbelief for the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her posture was like holding a disobedient plaything just picked up from the roadside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingwan's red lips parted slightly, each word she uttered carrying absolute chill and authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... let... you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't move!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",3789,"2026-06-06T14:45:54.833Z",1,"novelbin.me","2a7ea1f0192466d04551b08fee7b1ac68da0e72c892f58cec816d278923c429f","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-125","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-123",241,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-cover.jpg"]